NEWSLETTER

JUNE 12, 2020

Neighbors, 

Happy official last day of school to all Fairfax County Public School students! While the last few months were not what we expected for the school year, I am thankful for all the teachers, staff, and family members who have nurtured our students, ensuring that they continue to learn and grow, throughout this year. Have a wonderful and safe summer!

Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s tele-town hall with Delegates Mark Sickles and Paul Krizek, and Cassidy Rasnick, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade. Be on the lookout for future tele-town halls!

Updates

Today, Northern Virginia enters Phase II of re-opening our economy. Please read below for information on the requirements and guidelines of Phase II and other updates regarding COVID-19. As always, please contact me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov or at (804) 698-1042.

Best, Kathy

Updates from Governor Northam and State Agencies

Phase II of Re-Opening our Economy

  • Today is our region’s first day in Phase II of re-opening our economy and easing restrictions on certain businesses. As I shared previously, Governor Northam has indicated our region will be in Phase II for a minimum of two weeks. 

  • You can find detailed information about Phase II requirements of Executive Order 65/Order of Public Health Emergency 6 here, as well as a list of guidelines for all business sectors here. Below is a summary of what Phase II means for our region.

  • Continues the recommendations of physical distancing and teleworking, as well as requirement of individuals to wear face coverings in certain public settings. 

  • Bans public and private gatherings of more than 50 people. 

  • EO 65/OPHE 6 and the Business Guidelines provide more information about recommended best practices for all businesses that may continue or begin easing restrictions under Phase II. 

  • All businesses are expected to practice physical distancing between coworkers and customers, frequently disinfect high contact areas, and to follow enhanced workplace safety guidelines. 

  • There are specific requirements and suggested best practices for the following sectors: 

  • Restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, cideries, mobile units (food trucks), distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms.

  • Farmers markets.

  • Non-essential brick and mortar retail establishments. 

  • Fitness and Exercise Facilities.

  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 

  • Indoor and outdoor recreational sports activities. 

  • Personal care and personal grooming services.

  • Private campgrounds and overnight summer camps. 

  • Entertainment and public amusement. 

  • Religious services. 

  • I strongly advise that you review EO 65/OPHE 6 and the Business Guidelines. This will inform you about safety precautions that employers should have in place. Similarly, please review these requirements if you patron these businesses, so you are aware of what is expected to protect yours and workers’ health and safety. 

Support for Workers

  • There are two new tools available to help workers. While these tools were in development before the pandemic began, their completion was accelerated to help meet workers’ needs. The tools were developed in collaboration with the Chief Workforce Development Advisor, the Commonwealth’s Chief Data Officer, and six state agencies.

    • The Virginia Career Works Referral Portal is a statewide platform designed to streamline intake processes across state agencies and connect individuals with training, certification, education, and employment services to help them find a job or advance a career path. 

    • The new Virginia Career Works Dashboard is a data visualization tool that makes information about Virginia’s labor market and workforce system more accessible.

Support for Small Businesses

  • During yesterday’s tele-town hall, Deputy Secretary Rasnick highlighted the following resources available to small businesses:

    • Virginia COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses: This resource page from the Department of Commerce and Trade has information about loans and grant programs available to businesses during this pandemic. 

    • Emergency Vendors List: The Department of General Services has created a list of vendors that are offering supplies and services related to addressing COVID-19.

  • Updates from Fairfax County

Fairfax County Park Authority

  • As part of Phase II, Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will begin to open up additional park facilities at all 427 parks that they operate. You can see the full list of amenities that will open, as well as guidelines to follow for each amenity, here. 

  • Note, RECenters and other FCPA facilities, such as nature centers, pools and historic sites will remain closed at this time. 

Updates from Community Partners

ArtsFairfax Emergency Relief and Recovery Grant

  • Art organizations and artists in Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church can apply for the ArtsFairfax Emergency Relief and Recovery Program through June 29. You can learn more and apply here.

View my summary of the 2020 legislative session here.

View my previous e-newsletters here.

View my new COVID-19 resource page to see a summary of state actions, guidance, and resources here.